Australians seniors more active than ever

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has just published new data revealing Australian seniors are becoming more and more active – both physically and socially.

“The number of older Australians aged 65 years and over who participated in exercise or physical recreation increased from 44.5 per cent in 2012 to 49.2 per cent in 2015,” ABS Program Manager of Health and Disability Statistics Justine Boland said in a statement. “This is great news, as we know an active and social lifestyle is associated with better health outcomes.”

With Australia facing the crisis of an ageing population, the news couldn’t be better. It has been estimated that there are 3.5 million people over the age of 65 in the country, an increase of 14.3 per cent since 2012. In addition, the rate of disability among older Australians has decreased two per cent since 2012 and the number of people requiring assistance with at least one activity is down 3.3 per cent.

“These findings reveal a positive trend that older Australians are healthier, living longer without disability and are in less need of assistance,” Boland added.

Tell us in the comments below, do you think you’ve become more socially and physically active in the past few years? What’s your favourite way to keep moving?